Stuart Broad, looking sharp and contented again, ripped out New Zealand's tail to finish with six wickets and secure a first-innings lead of 211 for England. Alastair Cook faced a tricky decision at tea about whether to enforce the follow-on. Understandably, he opted to put New Zealand in again; an unsettled weather forecast, particularly on the final day, must have been a decisive factor.

For his own sanity, it is to be hoped that Cook did not follow-up by studying when England last enforced the follow-on in an overseas Test: Durban in 1999, with Gary Kirsten marking the end of the old millennium by making an unbeaten 275 out of 572 for 7. England tried nine bowlers, including Nasser Hussain, a repentant captain.

In seeking to avoid unsettled weather, Cook instead had to oversee an unsettled England pace attack, which was underpowered second time around, with James Anderson, ankle strapped, grumbling wearily about the footholds and labouring with a sore back.

England's only wicket in 33 overs fell to Monty Panesar, a scintillating catch around the corner by Ian Bell to dismiss Hamish Rutherford, and cheering as well for the new vice-captain, Matt Prior, who held up the game to press for the position. Panesar, for all his economy, will hope to find more turn as the match progresses.

Broad finished with 6 for 51, his third-best figures in his Test career. His pace was around 135kph, but his control was immaculate and there was a zing in everything he did. This was Broad Total, exploring the cavities in New Zealand's line-up and freshening the air with optimism. He was a walking advertisement for the benefits of England's rotation policy and they will be desperate that his mood persists through back-to-back Ashes series.

Brendon McCullum was the key wicket for England, dismissed for 69 from 94 balls as he forced Steven Finn off the back foot and offered a comfortable catch to Jonathan Trott at second slip. In a Test distinguished by fine counter-attacking cricket by two excellent wicketkeeper-batsmen, McCullum played just as pugnaciously as Prior had for England on the second day.

Smart stats

Stuart Broad's 6 for 51 is eighth on the list of best bowling performances by England bowlers in New Zealand since 1970. It is however the best bowling performance by an England bowler in Wellington in the same period.

Broad's 6 for 51 is his third-best bowling performance overall and his best in away Tests. In 25 away matches he has picked up 68 wickets at 35.70.

The 100-run stand between Brendon McCullum and BJ Watling is the eighth-highest sixth-wicket stand for New Zealand against England. It is also New Zealand's second-highest sixth-wicket stand against England in Wellington.

In Tests played in New Zealand since 1970, England have gained a 200-plus lead on five occasions. It is the third such occasion in Wellington. Click here for the list of matches when England have batted first and here for a list of matches when they have bowled first.

Watling's 60 is his fifth fifty-plus score in Tests and his third such score in home matches. He now averages 32.66 with one century and four fifties.

McCullum's 69 is his eighth half-century against England in 11 Tests. He has also been dismissed twice in the nineties against England (both at Lord's).

Basin Reserve was full for a Test, the first time that had happened in New Zealand for several years. It helps when the capacity is only around 11,000 and there are several thousand England supporters in town to help persuade the locals that there is a game on worth watching.

Packed to the brim, the ground had a more intimate atmosphere than ever. The strong second-day breeze had also lessened, adding to the convivial feel as spectators strolled around. But New Zealand supporters only had to glance at the scoreboard for this sense of well-being to depart. England are well placed to go 1-0 up in the series unless Cyclone Sandra - or perhaps Hurricane Brendon - has a say in things.

New Zealand, 66 for 3 overnight, needed another 200 to avoid the follow-on. They had produced much to admire on the second day, only to find themselves well behind the game by the close. They were even further behind the game at 89 for 5 when Kane Williamson and Dean Brownlie fell in the first half hour.

Broad was given an immediate opportunity after his wickets of Rutherford and Ross Taylor had allowed England to finish the second day on a high. Williamson looked well drilled, at 22 a decent batsman in the making, but fell to a sharp reaction catch in his follow-through by Broad, who clung on around chest high and looked delighted at the realisation that the ball was nestling in his hand.

Three balls later, Brownlie followed. He is a fine back-foot player, but there is a length to bowl to Brownlie, as South Africa can also testify after New Zealand's recent tour, a length when he routinely plays back when he would be better forward. Anderson found it, and found some reverse inswing to defeat his defensive shot. Asad Rauf's lbw decision was marginal because the ball had struck Brownlie just above the roll, and the batsman opted for a review, only for DRS to conclude that the ball would have clipped the top of middle.

It would have been 95 for 6 if Cook had not been such a conservative captain. Evidence of this match suggests that McCullum, his opposite number, would have posted a third slip to Anderson but Cook did not. Watling edged at inviting height, and the ball scooted away to the third man boundary.

McCullum's solution soon became evident. Beaten on the outside edge by Broad, he crashed his next ball for four and then hooked him for six. The pressure built by Panesar at one end was released by Finn at the other. McCullum took advantage and reverse-swept Joe Root to reach his fifty shortly before lunch.

Anderson 's strenuous efforts after lunch went unrewarded. England lost a review for an lbw appeal in the first over after lunch when McCullum was on 58. They chose not to review when Anderson came close again the following over and then had Watling, on 21, dropped low at second slip by Trott. When McCullum fell, New Zealand still needed 77 to avoid the follow-on with four wickets remaining. Tim Southee soon followed, unwisely hooking Finn with two fielders back for the shot.

Watling had been very much the junior partner in a stand of 100 in 31 overs with McCullum. While McCullum bristled against the quicks, Watling's passive resistance against Panesar provided a monotonous undercard. Only when McCullum was dismissed did he grow in ambition, reaching 60 before he edged Broad to the wicketkeeper.

Neil Wagner became Broad's fifth victim, caught at the wicket for nought. New Zealand's last pair were 12 short of the follow-on mark when Broad's bouncer befuddled Trent Boult, whose fend confused Panesar at mid-on even more. Broad, unusually when things go wrong, saw fit to smile and defeated Boult's haymaker with his next delivery to end the innings.

@Posted by GurSinghgur on (March 16, 2013, 0:14 GMT Look Fella you can't judge any player with the performance in one match or even a series. Finn is a good bowler recently he shortened his run up. what I see finn is not as quick as he was in early days. Oz fans are still advocating lyon since he debut is that Lyon is the world's best spinner in the history of cricket. oz fans told me that Lyon is better than warne, murli, macgill, gibbs, swann, ajmal, herath.

AKS286
on March 18, 2013, 10:11 GMT

@Posted by JG2704 on (March 16, 2013, 21:38 GMT) Look it is a coincidence about broad whenever his performance in under doubt, review he strikes. Consistent performers are better than once in blue moon. and also about fulfilling the potential so many examples are available in which talent not selected but non- performer are permanent in team. N.Hussain the worst player & captain ever but no one asked why he is in the team. M.Taylor in Odis. Lehmann test selection. Maher, Love, Blewett, Elliot, Hodge, Di venuto are far far better than lehmann or we can say similar to M.Waugh.

GurSinghgur
on March 17, 2013, 0:05 GMT

Well, 5 Wombats (at 08.35 GMT March 16), your comparison hardly makes your point. England at Kolkata, first innings (where they scored over 520): over 54, they take 11 runs off Z. Khan--all scored by Cook, already past his century; and over 91, another 11 also off Khan, all scored by Trott with 42 so far notched up in this already high-scoring innings. In contrast Finn concedes 12 in an over--to McCullum 34 as it began, batting heroically to save the match for a side still 300+ behind and already 5 wickets down.

As to your general "take a long hard look at the state your own team is in". You no doubt (tho mistakenly) mean India, so I did; and, lo, they've just had two huge wins against Oz, hardly cricketing minnows, even if today far from their past best. And tonight stand 283-0.

Not that I think criticising one team (India) is any answer to criticism of one bowler in quite another. If you want to stick up for Finn, fine--but do it in cricket terms, not with your passport

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 21:38 GMT

@R_U_4_REAL_NICK on (March 16, 2013, 14:24 GMT) Forcing the follow on was the only realistic option because we don't know how much time we'd have to bowl NZ out a second time - due to weather. We wouldn't want to set NZ 300 and then find there's no rain interruptions and NZ have a day and a half to chase it down and by the same token we don't want to go for a 400 lead and then only have half a day to bowl NZ out

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 21:38 GMT

@AKS - Broad has been inconsistent but if he's bowling like he did 2011 vs India , 2012 vs Pak he should remain. Re Tremlett - he's coming back and as it stands no one knows if he'll be as good as before he was injured. Root may well be the future but it's the now that counts and what is Nick 29/30 - not exactly ancient. Also he has had several decent stands with Cook. Why rock the boat?
Hopefully Root will fulfil his potential but there's no guarantee - I read an article on sportsmen who never fulfilled their potential and there was an Indian player (maybe called Kamble or similar - you'd know) came around same time as Sachin - started well then faded

AKS286
on March 16, 2013, 19:07 GMT

@CricketingStargazer on (March 16, 2013, 17:24 GMT yes fella i know Compton is an opener & Root is also natural opener for Yorks.

AKS286
on March 16, 2013, 19:00 GMT

@Posted by gsingh7 on (March 16, 2013, 13:25 GMT) malinga was retired to test cricket at a very early of his career due to IPL, BBl,SLPL. So, kindly explain us how broad will learn from malinga to bowl in tests and what conditions.

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on March 16, 2013, 18:09 GMT

3 more wickets for Anderson will see him level with a certain 'Derek Leslie Underwood' for number of test wickets... Hope he gets plenty of power drinks into him tonight, and a good strong cup of coffee tomorrow morning.

CricketingStargazer
on March 16, 2013, 17:24 GMT

@AKS Nick Compton has been an opener for most of his career. He only went down the order because Somerset already had an established opening pair. He is no experiment... it's his specialist position.

AKS286
on March 16, 2013, 15:48 GMT

@Posted by R_U_4_REAL_NICK on (March 16, 2013, 14:24 GMT) I agree with you. but Root is the future. If he bats along with Cook then there is a chance of scoring big runs, In ODIs Root bats on no. 6 position which is a finisher position & he is definitely not a finisher.@Posted by JG2704 on (March 16, 2013, 13:59 GMT) mate Broad is very much inconsistent. We also don't understand his pace. Another coincidence with broad whenever his position is under review with flop bowling he clicks in the next game. and also ENG back bench of pace bowling is not impressive. Meaker, Onion are out of form. IMO expensive dernbach must be tried in test. J.Taylor is a good option to bat at no.6 and root with cook. where is tremlett?

AKS286
on March 18, 2013, 14:05 GMT

@Posted by GurSinghgur on (March 16, 2013, 0:14 GMT Look Fella you can't judge any player with the performance in one match or even a series. Finn is a good bowler recently he shortened his run up. what I see finn is not as quick as he was in early days. Oz fans are still advocating lyon since he debut is that Lyon is the world's best spinner in the history of cricket. oz fans told me that Lyon is better than warne, murli, macgill, gibbs, swann, ajmal, herath.

AKS286
on March 18, 2013, 10:11 GMT

@Posted by JG2704 on (March 16, 2013, 21:38 GMT) Look it is a coincidence about broad whenever his performance in under doubt, review he strikes. Consistent performers are better than once in blue moon. and also about fulfilling the potential so many examples are available in which talent not selected but non- performer are permanent in team. N.Hussain the worst player & captain ever but no one asked why he is in the team. M.Taylor in Odis. Lehmann test selection. Maher, Love, Blewett, Elliot, Hodge, Di venuto are far far better than lehmann or we can say similar to M.Waugh.

GurSinghgur
on March 17, 2013, 0:05 GMT

Well, 5 Wombats (at 08.35 GMT March 16), your comparison hardly makes your point. England at Kolkata, first innings (where they scored over 520): over 54, they take 11 runs off Z. Khan--all scored by Cook, already past his century; and over 91, another 11 also off Khan, all scored by Trott with 42 so far notched up in this already high-scoring innings. In contrast Finn concedes 12 in an over--to McCullum 34 as it began, batting heroically to save the match for a side still 300+ behind and already 5 wickets down.

As to your general "take a long hard look at the state your own team is in". You no doubt (tho mistakenly) mean India, so I did; and, lo, they've just had two huge wins against Oz, hardly cricketing minnows, even if today far from their past best. And tonight stand 283-0.

Not that I think criticising one team (India) is any answer to criticism of one bowler in quite another. If you want to stick up for Finn, fine--but do it in cricket terms, not with your passport

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 21:38 GMT

@R_U_4_REAL_NICK on (March 16, 2013, 14:24 GMT) Forcing the follow on was the only realistic option because we don't know how much time we'd have to bowl NZ out a second time - due to weather. We wouldn't want to set NZ 300 and then find there's no rain interruptions and NZ have a day and a half to chase it down and by the same token we don't want to go for a 400 lead and then only have half a day to bowl NZ out

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 21:38 GMT

@AKS - Broad has been inconsistent but if he's bowling like he did 2011 vs India , 2012 vs Pak he should remain. Re Tremlett - he's coming back and as it stands no one knows if he'll be as good as before he was injured. Root may well be the future but it's the now that counts and what is Nick 29/30 - not exactly ancient. Also he has had several decent stands with Cook. Why rock the boat?
Hopefully Root will fulfil his potential but there's no guarantee - I read an article on sportsmen who never fulfilled their potential and there was an Indian player (maybe called Kamble or similar - you'd know) came around same time as Sachin - started well then faded

AKS286
on March 16, 2013, 19:07 GMT

@CricketingStargazer on (March 16, 2013, 17:24 GMT yes fella i know Compton is an opener & Root is also natural opener for Yorks.

AKS286
on March 16, 2013, 19:00 GMT

@Posted by gsingh7 on (March 16, 2013, 13:25 GMT) malinga was retired to test cricket at a very early of his career due to IPL, BBl,SLPL. So, kindly explain us how broad will learn from malinga to bowl in tests and what conditions.

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on March 16, 2013, 18:09 GMT

3 more wickets for Anderson will see him level with a certain 'Derek Leslie Underwood' for number of test wickets... Hope he gets plenty of power drinks into him tonight, and a good strong cup of coffee tomorrow morning.

CricketingStargazer
on March 16, 2013, 17:24 GMT

@AKS Nick Compton has been an opener for most of his career. He only went down the order because Somerset already had an established opening pair. He is no experiment... it's his specialist position.

AKS286
on March 16, 2013, 15:48 GMT

@Posted by R_U_4_REAL_NICK on (March 16, 2013, 14:24 GMT) I agree with you. but Root is the future. If he bats along with Cook then there is a chance of scoring big runs, In ODIs Root bats on no. 6 position which is a finisher position & he is definitely not a finisher.@Posted by JG2704 on (March 16, 2013, 13:59 GMT) mate Broad is very much inconsistent. We also don't understand his pace. Another coincidence with broad whenever his position is under review with flop bowling he clicks in the next game. and also ENG back bench of pace bowling is not impressive. Meaker, Onion are out of form. IMO expensive dernbach must be tried in test. J.Taylor is a good option to bat at no.6 and root with cook. where is tremlett?

Fluffykins
on March 16, 2013, 15:44 GMT

Stuart are you coming back into ashes oval day two mode?I certainly hope so

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on March 16, 2013, 14:24 GMT

I think enforcing the follow-on was the right thing to do. This series is not about rest; it's about developing/getting back some good form for certain players. It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do, and unless NZ's batsmen can show some steadfast ala McCullum and Watling in the previous innings, it's advantage England all the way - rain/wind or not.

@AKS286 (post on March 16, 2013, 13:35 GMT): entitled to your opinion but I'm just saying - I'd rather keep Root down at 5 or 6 because of his temperament and ability to adapt better depending on the game situation; Compton looks comfortable opening with Cook, and if people moan about slow scoring rates I think Trott and KP could be swapped around depending on circumstances.

Englishmanabroad
on March 16, 2013, 14:16 GMT

@AKS276: I see Compton and Root both as "experiments" right now, and I personnally would like to see Root given a couple of opportunities to open with Cook. Both have had good performances in the last couple of years, but I think the jury is still out on whether either is destined to be the fulltime opener.

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 13:59 GMT

@AKS286 on (March 16, 2013, 13:35 GMT) It depends who's playing well at the time in ref to the Ashes.
If Broad is bowling like he did in the 1st inns and like he did at home vs India and away vs Pak then he should be an automatic behind Jimmy but above Finn.
If he bowls like he did for most of 2012 he should not be in the side.
If Nick continues to score runs at the top then why would you change it all unless you want faster starts but throughout 2012 Nick averaged pretty much double what Root and Johnny and pretty much any England batsman in the CC.
If Nick has an alarming dip in form and is (pardon the pun) completely out of Nick for the Ashes series then of course change it.
And on what evidence (in 1st class cricket) would you say Root is good enough and Nick not? His test debut when coming into a winning side on the flattest pitch out there

landl47
on March 16, 2013, 13:39 GMT

A good effort from England, Broad especially, to keep NZ down to 254. I'm surprised that England chose to enforce the follow-on. The bowlers were already tired, in Anderson's case clearly hurting as well, and the 4th day, even if it doesn't rain, promises strong winds. I understand that Cook was hoping to force a win before bad weather threatened for Monday, but NZ doesn't look likely to be bowled out in time for England to grab the win on the 4th day. In the long-term, to get NZ out in the field again, rest the England bowlers while wearing out the NZ seamers, and retain 4th innings advantage seems to me the better option. Basically, the right decision should always be made: making the wrong decision because of the weather prospects doesn't make it the right decision.

It's sad to see that some so-called fans never get tired of looking petty and stupid. Yes, whofriggincares, I'm talking about you.

AKS286
on March 16, 2013, 13:35 GMT

Yes very solid performance by Compton & Broad. BUT i'm still in the favour of both are not as good enough for Ashes. ROOT must open batting with Cook this will develop him and enhance more skills of Root.

gsingh7
on March 16, 2013, 13:25 GMT

after broad averaged in high 50's in india he is again proving to be a world beater. very similar to when yuvi hit him for 6 sixes in south africa, but 5 years later he became decent bowler in english conditions, until amla scored triple ton (unbeaten )in world record win. so broad needs to learn to bowl in ALL conditions to be a top bowler like malinga.

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 13:25 GMT

@5wombats - Nice to see you haven't lost your art of telling it like it is since you've been away.
On a serious note , Finn has disappointed me a little in test cricket. It's strange that his economy is not so good as he has been so consistent in shorter formats. I know economy isn't everything but in the morning session he looked unthreatening too. Still good to see Broad looking good again although I'm waiting for the next injury setback
The one good thing is that we have made NZ follow on. Had we not there would have been a dilemma about (preuming we didn't collapse 2nd inns) when to declare. I mean there's bad weather forecasted and while we are still at the mercy of the weather gods - coupled with the NZ batsmen - at least we don't have to decide when to declare - we'd want to leave enough time to give ourselves a chance of bowling NZ out again but not so much time that NZ have too much time to chase down the target if we're allowing for rain which doesn't then materialise

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 13:16 GMT

@Ken Fawcett on- Mate don't be so paranoid.In Eng's first inns in the 1st test of the top 7 batsmen , KP got a snorter 1st up and Nick was late on one. The other 5 batsmen were all out due to careless shots. You can say that NZ's pressure created those shots but for me NZ bowlers bowled no worse in the 2nd inns - bowling in a disciplined manner etc - but the results were hugely different because Eng knuckled down. Would you honestly say that the dismissals of Cook,Trott,Bell,Root and Prior were due to particularly brilliant deliveries?

@David Butlin - They're still proving they're performing under pressure - esp Nick in the last game when just about every pundit was talking about Nick being outed throughout the test. No one's saying it makes them the 2nd comings of Boycott or Trueman - just that they have responded well when their places have been questioned

64blip
on March 16, 2013, 13:07 GMT

Great to see Broad back in the wickets. It'd be nice to see a 5-fer for Finn before the series is out. I hope that Bresnan recovers his old form after recovering from his elbow op as well, if not for England then for Yorkshire's sake. Not sure about the follow-on. Aren't we supposed to be looking after our bowlers? Bowling last would also give Monty the best opportunity to take wickets.

bumsonseats
on March 16, 2013, 12:37 GMT

england will suffer in future if they keep on dropping catches not sure how many as, i could not watch it all. against the saffars last year we were also as bad and if we had held some of those which were not hard the series could have been level.

R_U_4_REAL_NICK
on March 16, 2013, 12:07 GMT

Good resistance by McCullum and Watling, but much better display from England's bowlers - especially Broad. England are making NZ play at most balls, unlike NZ that persisted with the patience/go-fetch-it tactics. Panesar held up an end really well, and it will be interesting to see how much of an impact he makes in the rest of the game. Before anyone comments: yes I am a bit of a Broad-basher, but only when he goes through long runs of poor form and persists with bowling far too short (and was still kept in teams despite this). But if he is back on song and keeps this up, there's a big smile on my face. His fitness and management will be key though.

on March 16, 2013, 11:54 GMT

@MartinC (and JG who agrees)

I agree, NZ didn't throw 9 wickets away. But neither did England in the first test. When NZ do well, it's down to England being rusty or complacent. When England do well, it's difference in class.

on March 16, 2013, 11:42 GMT

Another good day for England, I think. Slightly surprised to see the follow on enforced, but, in view of the possible weather, the right one.
First session tomorrow probably the most important one of this match.

2.14istherunrate
on March 16, 2013, 11:41 GMT

I had expected England to have a lead of 150 so this was a big bonus and a testament to the attack's efficiency when presented with a sniff of a chance. England need Broad to coime back here, and I thought he might do okay in NZ. The short pitchers though need putting in the bin-shades of Nasser Hussein's enforcer role.makes one wonder whether Nass and his boyz don't do some enforcing of their own around Essex,such is his relish for the concept. Beefy might provide few clues on this. The fooow on was a tricky decision to judge by some reactions. It is hard though to see why not.The other route often backfires, and really it is wise to hammer home advantages even morally. QAfter a night's sleep they should be back rested and raring to go. This is an important game to win, and Wellington often has been a happy hunting groumd for us.

getsetgopk
on March 16, 2013, 11:36 GMT

Where are them Broad bashers now? I can remember one of them said "he thinks of himself as a superstar" LOL...

on March 16, 2013, 10:37 GMT

You have to remember that this series is the most difficult England have to play in 2013. The other team on the schedule are just an ugly rabble currently in chaos. It's funny how the rankings can lie: these plucky kiwis would walk all over their supposedly more illustrious neighbours.

voma
on March 16, 2013, 10:02 GMT

@ whofriggincares , are you aware that many people left the United Kingdom . To start new lives in countries , such as Australia and South Africa . If you have English parents or in some cases , other relatives . It is not difficult to become a British citizen . Maybe if you actually new anything about Compton , Priorr and even jonathon Trott . Before writing your comment ,

dabhand
on March 16, 2013, 9:53 GMT

Given their limited resources NZ do punch above their weight and certainly don't just give it up when things go against them so at least it is a test match - lesson for Aus (Randy or form filling) there - even if a little one sided.

@GurSinghgur- rather silly basing an attack on such weak foundations

Missing the other Singh - you know, the one who predicted NZ would score sufficient (around 600) and then bowl England out and win by an innings and change.

I wonder if he was being ironic ?

dabhand
on March 16, 2013, 9:42 GMT

@whofriggincares - exactly - what you think is immaterial. From recent results I can only guess you are trying to get those you consider 'saffers' back playing for South Africa.

voma
on March 16, 2013, 9:40 GMT

All England fans want to see a fit and smiling Stuart Broad , when everything is right for him . Hes a hand full for any batsman , bring on the Aussies .

CricketingStargazer
on March 16, 2013, 9:29 GMT

England still have some hard work to do to win this Test, but the excellent batting effort of Day 1 has paid its reward. New Zealand gave away 150-200 runs more than they should have by poor control and wasting the new ball. Without the efforts of Compton and Trott this match would be wide open now. As it is, England know that two breakthroughs in the first hour tomorrow with rested bowlers should be enough and with the weather threatening more bowler-friendly conditions it will take a titanic effort from one of the batsmen to keep the match alive into the final day. However, they cannot expect Taylor and McCullum to save them every time... sooner or later relying on one or both to score big runs and make up for the rest will backfire.

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 9:13 GMT

Very pleased to see Broad doing well. I really like the guy as a person. No one can doubt his effort or passion for the game and from what I saw of him today he looked sharp again. I (among others) questioned his place in the side but while the form issue looks good I'm still fearful of him breaking down and still would have preferred to have given him longer off. The caught and bowled wkt reminded me of Brett Lee getting one of our guys out (think 2005)with the look of shock on his face.
From the morning session (which I watched live) I felt Finn was kept on too long and he was going for runs while never looking to threatening although I see he got the key wicket of Mccullum.It's strange how he seems to be our tightest pacer in the shorter formats but often is more expensive in tests
It all ended up ok but I felt the runs Monty was drying up was being released at the other end by Finn. Also felt Monty was bowling at a better pace. Would be great if he could mix up his pace more.

on March 16, 2013, 9:12 GMT

@Richard Bloomfield, calm down its only New Zealand they are 8th ranked test team, Compton and broad have proved nothing from this performance if they can do this in the ashes or against South Africa then you can sing their praises....

JG2704
on March 16, 2013, 9:10 GMT

@MartinC on (March 16, 2013, 6:57 GMT) Great response there

@Beige_and_blue on (March 16, 2013, 6:08 GMT) Back again with another sour grapes post. By poorly - I presume you mean slowly which was still actually at a better runrate than NZ and on NZ's home pitches - probably something which escaped your notice. If we don't win then maybe we will rue not scoring quicker but then I'd rather be in the position we're in after day 3 of this test than on day 3 of the 1st test

A_Vacant_Slip
on March 16, 2013, 9:02 GMT

@wombat - LOL! phew I think you got him! Your comment make me laugh every time. Good to see you back on form.

5wombats
on March 16, 2013, 8:35 GMT

@GurSinghgur (March 16, 2013, 0:14 GMT) You state;" Finn is a test-class bowler? Twelve runs in one over? He's got something to prove right now". Let me help your obviously errant memory... do these figures ring any bells?: End of over 54 (11 runs) England 176/1 AN Cook 117* IJL Trott 0* AND End of over 91 (11 runs) England 266/1 AN Cook 151* IJL Trott 53*... Ring any bells @GurSinghgur? It should do as this only happened 3 months ago. And in case you think it doesn't count because it was not in India - Kolkota is in India - right? You are very quick to dismiss Finn as being not test class. Laughable. Before you come here passing a high and mighty judgement mocking England and poking fun - why don't you take a long hard look at the state your own team is in. Have that long hard look - then we will talk....

on March 16, 2013, 8:27 GMT

I can't help but notice that the Enland players only seem play anywhere near their best when their place in the side are in question. Coming into this series there was so much talk about dropping Compton and Broad.......... Who's still calling for that now?!?

GurSinghgur
on March 16, 2013, 8:20 GMT

My own post at 0.14 GMT on March 16: which Finn promptly did, two wickets, he must read Cricinfo

pommy80
on March 16, 2013, 8:18 GMT

Good day for England, still plenty of hard work left. Early wickets is key tomorrow. Glad to see Broad getting back to his best.

@whofriggincares, good to see the usual excuse for England doing well.

on March 16, 2013, 8:11 GMT

"In a Test distinguished by fine counter-attacking cricket by two excellent wicketkeeper-batsmen, McCullum played just as pugnaciously as Prior had for England on the second day!"
The article makes it sound like McCullum keeps wicket for NZ. Watling is their keeper!

cric_J
on March 16, 2013, 8:05 GMT

Really elated and rather relieved to see Broady bowl really well after some time.There were signs in the ODIs and T20s and now he has delivered in tests as well.Especially with the Ashes and Champ's Trophy around the corner England desperately need him to be at his best.Just hope he can keep up his form.Coming to today's performance,I think 4 of his wickets were really good ones and very well earned.The Watling dismissal today was brilliantly done.Wishing dearly he gets a 10 wicket haul.Good day for Eng but it should have been better with probably 2 more wickets.My only spot of bother is Jimmy Anderson's ankle.He looked in some serious trouble and pulled up several times.Just hope he is fine tomorrow.Eng won't want their lead bowler to break down with one test still to go.

Lmaotsetung
on March 16, 2013, 8:00 GMT

The haters are out in full force tonight. It got very quiet in here since England's second inning of the first test.

on March 16, 2013, 7:22 GMT

Ah, the England haters are out. We must be doing alright, then.

Bishop
on March 16, 2013, 7:21 GMT

@Joe Thompson...Did you even watch the first test? I mean, really? Did you watch it?

MartinC
on March 16, 2013, 6:57 GMT

@Ken Fawcett - because they have been watching the match?

Beige_and_blue
on March 16, 2013, 6:08 GMT

Such a shame England batted so poorly in the first innings or they might have been on track to get a win here instead of the inevitable draw. forgetting about scoring runs on day 1 will come back to bite them.

on March 16, 2013, 5:47 GMT

I wonder why no one is suggesting that the English bowlers were average and NZ just threw 9/10 wickets away.

whofriggincares
on March 16, 2013, 4:39 GMT

The english first innings illustrates perfectly where they are at, 376 of their runs came from the Saffers that doesnt leave many for the English born lads does it. And their leading century scorer sits 17th on the all time list with 5 Aussies above him , does this indicate a lack of batting talent over a long period of time I guess it does no matter which way you look at it.

on March 16, 2013, 3:24 GMT

Aussie fans licking their lips at the prospect of Stuart Broad playing in the Ashes. :)

on March 16, 2013, 3:12 GMT

Looks like the English are back on track...

mikey76
on March 16, 2013, 2:45 GMT

Really pleased for Broad, he's a class act when he's fit and healthy. Let's hope he can get his batting back on track in time for the ashes. When all facets of his game are working he's a huge asset to this England team. Let's see if he can get a ten wicket haul now.

on March 16, 2013, 0:59 GMT

Instead of New Zealand playing teams like South Africa and England at once, go and play the likes of Bangladesh or Ireland because the matches are too one sided. I'm sure these teams can beat New Zealand.

GurSinghgur
on March 16, 2013, 0:14 GMT

Finn is a test-class bowler? Twelve runs in one over? He's got something to prove right now, or NZ will draw yet

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GurSinghgur
on March 16, 2013, 0:14 GMT

Finn is a test-class bowler? Twelve runs in one over? He's got something to prove right now, or NZ will draw yet

on March 16, 2013, 0:59 GMT

Instead of New Zealand playing teams like South Africa and England at once, go and play the likes of Bangladesh or Ireland because the matches are too one sided. I'm sure these teams can beat New Zealand.

mikey76
on March 16, 2013, 2:45 GMT

Really pleased for Broad, he's a class act when he's fit and healthy. Let's hope he can get his batting back on track in time for the ashes. When all facets of his game are working he's a huge asset to this England team. Let's see if he can get a ten wicket haul now.

on March 16, 2013, 3:12 GMT

Looks like the English are back on track...

on March 16, 2013, 3:24 GMT

Aussie fans licking their lips at the prospect of Stuart Broad playing in the Ashes. :)

whofriggincares
on March 16, 2013, 4:39 GMT

The english first innings illustrates perfectly where they are at, 376 of their runs came from the Saffers that doesnt leave many for the English born lads does it. And their leading century scorer sits 17th on the all time list with 5 Aussies above him , does this indicate a lack of batting talent over a long period of time I guess it does no matter which way you look at it.

on March 16, 2013, 5:47 GMT

I wonder why no one is suggesting that the English bowlers were average and NZ just threw 9/10 wickets away.

Beige_and_blue
on March 16, 2013, 6:08 GMT

Such a shame England batted so poorly in the first innings or they might have been on track to get a win here instead of the inevitable draw. forgetting about scoring runs on day 1 will come back to bite them.

MartinC
on March 16, 2013, 6:57 GMT

@Ken Fawcett - because they have been watching the match?

Bishop
on March 16, 2013, 7:21 GMT

@Joe Thompson...Did you even watch the first test? I mean, really? Did you watch it?